Women Everywhere Expo puts emphasis entertainment, education

Thursday

Apr 17, 2014 at 3:40 PM

By Brian.VanOchten@hollandsentinel.com(616) 546-4279

A one-stop-shopping outlet where local women will be informed, entertained and pampered is all part of fun Saturday at the 2014 Women Everywhere Magazine Expo at the DoubleTree Hotel.It features 80 Holland-area businesses showcasing their products and services from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.“It’s for all women in the community,” said Julie Wiersma, Sentinel multi-media sales executive. “It’s all about bringing a lot of good people and local businesses under one roof.“It’s the largest event The Sentinel has ever put on,” she added. “It’ll be a full afternoon of shopping, relaxing and fun.”The Sentinel partners with the DoubleTree Hotel, 650 E. 24th St., to provide a gathering place for multiple West Michigan businesses to reach a dedicated female audience.The vendors range from heavyweights such as Art Van Furniture, Costco, Sam’s Club, Grand Valley State University and Holland Hospital to smaller operations such as First Choice Cleaning and Restorations, Balanced Health Chiropractic, Zeeland Lumber and White House Black Market.“We have a lot of new vendors this year,” Wiersma said.A suggested donation of $3 for an individual ticket and $5 for a pair, or three non-perishable food items, is recommended for admission. All cash proceeds benefit Lakeshore Pregnancy Center, while all food items are donated to Community Action House.“It’s nice because all of the donations go back into the community,” Wiersma said.Parking is free and there are numerous door prizes. A grand prize featuring an overnight stay in a DoubleTree suite, with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, will be given away.The expo also features a unique lineup of guest speakers.There’s a 30-minute cooking demonstration led by chef Jonathan Groening, who opened Jonny G’s Grill on the south side of Holland recently, and an appearance by psychic medium Lisa Bousson.Revolution Sound DJ of Holland will be spinning music and leading dance lessons at the event.Call Deb Long at (616) 546-4211 or Wiersma at (616) 546-4207 for additional information.— Follow this reporter on Twitter @BizHolland.